Red River Preserve Partnership Ended

Negotiations with Cheatham County, Robertson County and Pleasant View Utility District (PVUD) ended with Cheatham County satisfied with the terms of the agreement meeting all of the project requirements.

However, representatives from Robertson County did not agree with the proposed legal document presented by PVUD and decided to enter into negotiations with East Montgomery Utility District for the Red River Preserve project.

The Cheatham County Mayor’s Office, Economic Community Development, Chamber of Commerce and Cheatham Development Association are all in agreement that this decision is not in the best interest of Cheatham County. Therefore, Cheatham County will not continue a partnership with Robertson County for the Red River Preserve Project.

Cheatham County Mayor David McCullough explained: “During the process of negotiations for the inter-local agreement, Pleasant View Utility District indicated it could guarantee 1.5 million gallons of water per day to the property and could make available 500,000 gallons per day for 5 years. Robertson County wanted extended terms and more availability. Cheatham County was satisfied with having 500,000 gallons of water per day available with the guarantee of the 1.5 million gallons as needed, but Robertson County wanted a greater amount reserved for the first 5 years and subsequent 5 year terms.

“Robertson County asked if we would consider entering negotiations with East Montgomery Utility District. From a business perspective, it doesn’t make sense to go that route. To get water to the property, East Montgomery Utility District would run lines in Montgomery County and cross Interstate 24 into Robertson County.

“From the beginning we have made it clear that this project would strengthen the infrastructure along the Highway 41-A corridor in Cheatham County for both future residential and commercial growth. Moving forward with East Montgomery Utility District would not benefit Cheatham County’s much needed water and sewer improvements along 41-A. As we stated throughout our discussions, ‘If this project is not going to help Cheatham County along the 41-A corridor we will walk away.’

“Last week I notified the Robertson County Mayor that we will not be able to pursue the project with Robertson County as planned. Water along 41A brought support from the community and commission. Now that Robertson County is pursuing water from East Montgomery we are officially moving other directions for growth.

“It is my understanding that we have not spent all of the $32,500 earmarked for the study, but there were some expenses to get this far in the process. It is my hope that any remaining funds could be used by the Cheatham Development Association or the ECD department to determine how to expand infrastructure along Highway 41-A (from Maxey Road all the way to New Hope Road) and generate additional jobs.

Even though we are not partnering with Robertson County on the Red River Preserve, this is not the end of our goal to pursue some type of project that will bring employment opportunities to Cheatham County.”